Definition

Your kidneys are pair of organs located toward your lower back. One kidney is on each side of your spine. They filter your blood and remove toxins from your body. Your kidneys send toxins to your bladder. Your body later removes toxins during urination.

How common is kidney injury?

Kidney injury can affect patients at any age. It can be managed by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of kidney injury?

The common symptoms of kidney injury are:

Too little urine leaving the body

Swelling of your legs, ankles, and feet from retention of fluids caused by the failure of your kidneys to eliminate water waste

Unexplained shortness of breath

Fatigue or tiredness

Persistent nausea

Confusion

Pain or pressure in your chest

Seizures or coma in severe cases

There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.

Causes

What causes kidney injury?

People who are most at risk for kidney failure usually suffer from one or more of the following causes:

Loss of blood flow to the kidneys

A sudden loss of blood flow to your kidneys can prompt kidney failure. Some diseases and conditions that cause loss of blood flow to the kidneys include:

A heart attack

Heart disease

Scarring of the liver or liver failure

Dehydration

A severe burn

An allergic reaction

A severe infection, such as sepsis

Blood pressure and anti-inflammatory medications can also limit blood flow.

Urine elimination problems

When your body can’t eliminate urine, toxins build up and overload the kidneys. Some conditions can interfere with urination and possibly lead to kidney failure, including:

Cancer

Kidney stones

An enlarged prostate

Blood clots within your urinary tract

Damage to the nerves that control your bladder

Other causes

Some diseases and conditions may lead to kidney failure, including:

A blood clot in or around your kidneys

Infection

An overload of toxins from heavy metals

Drugs and alcohol

Vasculitis, which is an inflammation of blood vessels

Lupus, which is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation of many body organs

Glomerulonephritis, which is an inflammation of the small blood vessels of the kidneys

Hemolytic uremic syndrome, which involves the breakdown red blood cells following a bacterial infection, usually of the intestines

Multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of the plasma cells in your bone marrow

Scleroderma, which is an autoimmune disease that affects your skin

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is a disorder that causes blood clots in small vessels

Chemotherapy drugs, which are medications that treat cancer and some autoimmune diseases

Risk factors

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How is kidney injury diagnosed?

There are several tests that can be used to diagnose kidney failure. These include:

Urinalysis: A urine test to measure red and white blood cells, look for high levels of bacteria, and search for high numbers of cellular casts.

Urine volume measurements: Measuring urine output.

Blood samples: Samples of your blood are taken to measure substances that are filtered by your kidneys.

Imaging: Tests such as ultrasounds, MRI, and CT scans provide images of the kidneys themselves, along with the urinary tract. This allows your doctor to look for blockages or abnormalities in your kidneys.

There are several treatments for kidney failure, but the type of treatment needed will vary depending on the reason for your kidney failure. Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment option, which may include:

Dialysis: Dialysis filters and purifies the blood using a machine. It performs the function of the kidneys.

Kidney transplant: Another treatment option is a kidney transplant, but there’s usually a long wait to receive a donor kidney that’s compatible with your body.

Lifestyle changes & Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage kidney injury?

The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with kidney injury:

Follow the directions for over-the-counter medications. Taking doses that are too high (even of common drugs such as aspirin) can create high toxin levels in a short amount of time, which can overload your kidneys.

Limit your exposure to chemicals, such as household cleaners, tobacco, pesticides, and other toxic products.